Whisky Focus - David Sinclair Crowned Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind 2011

Following a particularly closely fought competition, David Sinclair of The Bar at the Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland has emerged victorious at this year’s Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind. The final held at The Savoy in London witnessed eight finalists from across the UK battle it out to be crowned this year’s winner.

The on-trade competition was launched last year to find the trade’s most passionate malt enthusiast. This year, finalists had to demonstrate their passion and knowledge of malt whisky, as well as show off their creativity by presenting a new Glenfiddich serve.

The judging panel consisted of industry experts including Glenfiddich brand ambassador Jamie Milne, Chris Moore head bartender of The Beaufort Bar at The Savoy and whisky experts Dominic Roskrow and Mark Thomson.

Eight bartenders from across the UK were shortlisted for the final. These were:

• Andrew Miller - Elbow Bar, Edinburgh
   
• Colin McMillan - The Three Judges, Glasgow
   
• David Sinclair - The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire
   
• Lorenzo Miglietta - The Library Bar at the Lanesborough Hotel, London
   
• Michael Allan - Raconteur, Edinburgh
   
• Paul Mortensen - Gordon's Bar in Selfridges, London
   
• Ross Painter - Second Floor Bar in Harvey Nichols, Bristol
   
• Ryan Chetiyawardana - The Worship Street Whistling Shop, London

Jamie Milne comments: "Now in its second year, the Glenfiddich Malt Mastermind competition has really stepped up a gear. We had more than double the entries than last year and the calibre of candidates has been truly impressive. The ideas and level of originality and creativity demonstrated at the final was inspiring and all concerned put a huge amount of hard work and effort in to making it a thrilling final. As a pioneering brand, we are excited to see the on-trade embrace the malt category and evolve it to encourage new drinkers to enjoy malt whisky.

"David Sinclair’s Equilibrium serve using Glenfiddich 18 Year Old stole the show. Milne continues: "The competition is not about creating elaborate serves, it’s about contestants understanding malt and innovative ways in which they can use it and other ingredients to produce exciting new drinks. David managed to combine classic sophistication with a modern twist, producing an elegant and beautifully constructed serve which really enhanced the flavours of the whisky."

Equilibrium recipe

• 50ml Glenfiddich 18 Year Old
• 15ml Morello Cherry Brandy
• 3 drops of Aztec Chocolate Bitters
• Finish with an Apple Wood Smoke
• Serve in an Old Fashioned glass with a Japanese Ice Ball

In addition to the title of Malt Mastermind of the Year 2011, David Sinclair has won £1000, a trophy and a VIP trip to the Glenfiddich distillery.
 

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